LOS ANGELES >> High winds strong enough to knock down tree limbs and power lines began lashing several areas of the Southland Tuesday, with gusts expected to continue for two more days and raise the risk of wildfires.

A high wind watch will be in effect until Thursday afternoon in the San Gabriel Mountains, where forecasters expect winds of between 25 and 40 mph, with 60-mph gusts.

The winds could knock down trees and power lines and make driving difficult, especially for motorists in high-profile vehicles, according to the National Weather Service.

With gusting winds combining with dry conditions, the NWS issued a red flag warning, indicating a heightened risk of wildfire, that will take effect at 5 a.m. Wednesday and stay in force until 8 p.m. Thursday in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, the Angeles National Forest, inland Orange County, Los Angeles County mountains, Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys and the coastal area stretching into downtown Los Angeles.

“A moderate to strong Santa Ana wind event will develop rapidly prior to sunrise Wednesday morning, with humidities falling into the lower teens and single digits later in the morning,” according to the NWS. “The typical Santa Ana corridors of eastern Ventura and western Los Angeles counties will see wind gusts over 60 mph, especially below canyons and mountain passes.

“Winds will temporarily decrease across all areas Wednesday afternoon and then increase once again overnight through Thursday morning.”

Forecasters warned that the gusting winds could cause driving difficulties on the 14 Freeway and Pearblossom Highway.

Temperatures were expected to rise substantially Wednesday — by 10 degrees and more in some communities — and by a few more degrees on Thursday before a gradual cooling trend begins Friday, taking temperatures roughly back to today’s levels on Monday.